The organic certification process must be completed annually. This includes paying the fees, completing the application to the USDA certification agency of your choice and maintaining records of the organic practices used on the farm to be certified.

Apply for USDA Cost-Share in winter months (directed by Michigan Dept of Ag) and receive up to 75% or $750 which ever is less of your NOP organic certification fees.

Recognizing Fraudulent Certificates

Falsely representing products as certified USDA organic violates the law and federal organic regulations. Using fraudulent documents to market, label, or sell non-organic agricultural products as organic is
punishable by fines of up to $11,000 for each violation.

Practice caution when purchasing products from suppliers. Contact your certifying agency to insure they are permitted in NOP organic systems. Anyone suspecting a violation of the regulations can report a complaint to the NOP Compliance and Enforcement Division.

Webinar: Getting Started with USDA Organic CertificationThe MSU Extension 2015 Beginning Farmer Webinar Series offers 2-hour seminars, including “Getting started with USDA organic certification.” All the materials offered for download during the ‘live’ webinar can be downloaded from the recorded webinar as well. Review the recording online at any time, and contact Vicki Morrone with questions about other downloadable content from the series.

Organic Assistant
Explore certified organic products in your area using the Organic Assistant product and services database. Its website offers consumer and industry-based resources connecting all parts of the organic industry, from producers to processors and wholesalers to retailers for the consumer to locate organic products easily.

How to Go Organic
The Organic Trade Association provides an online collection of resources on to help the transition to organic.

Organic Labeling Videos
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture released a series of videos to help consumers cut through the confusion of organic labeling. Meg Moynihan, the MDA organic specialist, explores current labeling and explains the details of what constitutes organic.

USDA: Is Organic An Option For Me? – PDF
This brochure provides an overview of the USDA organic regulations and how USDA supports agriculture. It includes information on getting certified, funding opportunities, and educational resources. Full PDF available for download.

Transitioning to Certified Organic in Michigan – PDF
This brief but comprehensive resource aims to educate farmers and those interested in learning about the organic certification process. Certification steps, frequently asked questions and additional resources are provided.

Organic Crop Production Overview – PDF
This publication provides an overview of the key concepts and practices of certified organic crop production. It also presents perspectives on many of the notions, myths, and issues that have become associated with organic agriculture over time.